ITV

Tag: education

  • Live Times: Journalism that sparks action

    Live Times: Journalism that sparks action

    MUMBAI:  In an era where news doesn’t just report events but shapes them, Live Times, India’s first global multicast news hub, is setting the standard for fearless, impact-driven journalism. By prioritising public interest and accountability, the platform has compelled policymakers to act on pressing issues, from inflated airline fares to systemic failures in healthcare and education.

    By exposing skyrocketing travel costs during peak seasons and highlighting the dire state of public hospitals, Live Times has prompted regulatory scrutiny and government action, including increased funding and policy interventions.    

    The Power of Responsible Journalism

    Founder Dilip Kumar Singh reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to uncompromising reporting: “We stand by our motto-Complete Truth, Whatever It Takes. This is not just a tagline; it’s the DNA of our newsroom. Our AI- and HI-driven verification system ensures 100% factual reporting, actively combating misinformation in an era of uncertainty.”    

    Innovation in News Delivery

    Live Times is pioneering a new era of journalism through multicast technology, integrating real-time coverage, data analytics, and audience-driven content. By harnessing digital innovation, the platform aims to inform, mobilise, and hold decision-makers accountable.  

    As the media landscape continues to evolve, Live Times remains dedicated to its mission—delivering journalism that doesn’t just inform but drives real change. The platform encourages citizens to share stories that matter, amplify unheard voices, and demand accountability from those in power.
     

  • We are focusing on healthcare, education and emerging sectors – Mohd Saqib Khan

    We are focusing on healthcare, education and emerging sectors – Mohd Saqib Khan

    MUMBAI: In the evolving landscape of digital marketing, change is the only constant. New Mumbai-based Digixpressions Media co-founders Vinay Singh and Mohd Saqib Khan have embraced this principle by adding a new logo DX as a prefix to their agency branding. The five year old digital agency has a roster of clients that’s a mixed bag: Tata Capital, Kotak securities, Yes securities, PowerUp, HDFC Sky, Asus, Axis Mutual Funds, Aditya Birla Capital, IIF Finance, Shriram Finance, Wockhardt Hospitals, UpGrad, Angel Broking,  RBL Bank, ICICI Bank and Sharekhan  – amongst many others. But the perception so far has been that its strengths lie in the BFSI sector. 

    The agency is looking at breaking from that mold  and image and is pushing aggressively  to enter healthcare, education, and emerging markets, utilising data analytics and AI-driven solutions to create strategies tailored to specific industry challenges. 

    Digixpressions co-founder & CEO Mohd Saqib Khan has been in the digital space for more than a decade having worked with companies such as Mouthshut.com and Angel One, learning the rudiments of the trade. The post-graduate degree holder in physics spoke to Indiantelevision’s Suman Baidh  about the rebranding exercise, outlining a strategic vision designed to enhance its service offerings across new sectors. He emphasised the innovative methods the agency is adopting to address the unique needs of these industries while maintaining a strong focus on delivering measurable results., Edited excerpts from the conversation:

    On what inspired the addition of the DX monogram to  DigiXpressions  how does it reflect the company’s core values and vision for the future
    With strategic rebranding and repositioning, DigiXpressions is well-positioned to transform the marketing landscape and establish new standards of innovation, growth, and influence. The rebranding to DX symbolises a streamlined, modernised vision for DigiXpressions. The monogram means transformation, innovation, and simplicity, which aligns with our commitment to cutting-edge marketing solutions. It represents the core values of agility, creativity, and strategic impact while positioning us as a future-forward brand that evolves with the digital ecosystem.

    On the immediate and long-term business goals the company aims to achieve by the repositioning.
    DigiXpressions’s repositioning comes with a clear vision aimed at both short and long-term growth. In the short term, the company is enhancing its digital offerings while building complete marketing solutions, including advertising campaigns, omnichannel experiences, public relations, and much more.

    Moving ahead, DigiXpressions looks to evolve as a go-to partner for comprehensive marketing solutions across diverse industries. While it is already a trusted name in the finance sector, DigiXpressions  is focusing its attention on healthcare, education, and emerging sectors, aiming to establish itself as a leading player.

    On industries that DigiXpressions is focusing on and the unique value  it brings to these sectors
    Having established itself as a leader in the BFSI sector, DigiXpressions is now ready to explore new horizons including healthcare, e-commerce, technology, and education. Combining data analytics with our in-house AI-driven solutions, DigiXpressions  delivers measurable results through personalised and engaging strategies that effectively address industry challenges. This customised and target-oriented approach makes DigiXpressions  truly different.  

    On DigiXpressions’ plan to expand its suite of services 
    As part of its ambitious growth strategy,DigiXpressions is expanding its services catering to a diverse clientele. The company is enhancing its offerings with high-quality performance marketing pitches, influencer collaborations, and customer journey mapping. To enable real-time engagement, DigiXpressions is leveraging cutting-edge tools like conversational AI and hyper-personalised marketing strategies. These AI-driven solutions, discover distinctive product attributes, identify positive and negative campaign triggers within a campaign, and uncover optimisation gaps to improve overall performance, are significant differences.

    These technologies give brands the ability to create accurate, data-driven strategies that boost effectiveness and impact. Its comprehensive portfolio now includes digital strategy, content strategy, SEO, ASO, influencer marketing, biddable media marketing, performance marketing, media buying, content marketing, programmatic buying, marketing analytics, AI martech solutions, local SEO, YouTube marketing, and marketplace marketing.

    Some former successes include facilitating client campaigns in financial services, healthcare, and food sectors to build their audience profiles widely across tier two and tier three cities. By enabling campaigns that effectively relate to all these markets, DigiXpressions has significantly driven audience traction, with a 150 per cent on-average growth in consumer outreach across these sectors.  Additionally, clients have benefited from a 20 per cent improvement in conversion rates from digital campaigns targeting tier 2 and tier 3 markets.

    On specific initiatives in placing to upskill or reskill existing employees to align with the company’s forward-looking vision.
    Absolutely. To remain aligned with any industry’s trends, DigiXpressions has created structured training plans based on emerging marketing technologies, AI tools, and creative storytelling. Public-private partnerships with industry leaders for certifications, internal hackathons, and mentorships create a culture of continuous learning and innovation, equipping employees with skills to carry forward the company’s vision.

    On turning brand visibility into lasting impact and on metrics or benchmarks that DigiXpressions will use to measure success
    DigiXpressions uses a great mix of quantitative and qualitative benchmarks to measure success. From campaign ROI to engagement level, customer lifetime value, and audience retention, they are dedicated to providing measurable results for their clients. Key performance indicators (KPIs) such as brand equity, customer satisfaction scores, and consumer outreach rate help to ensure that brand visibility results in actual performance. For example, DigiXpressions saw a 35 per cent increase in customer satisfaction scores for its clients within six months of implementing a new marketing campaign.

    On any success story or campaign that illustrates that DX has already achieved this kind of impact for a client
    A real example of how DigiXpressions made an impact is its collaboration with a BFSI client that focused on higher digital adoption, with hyper-targeted ads, personalized content, and gamified engagement strategies. 
    DigiXpressions delivered remarkable results: 1,913.71 per cent increase in traffic, 540.12 per cent growth in leads, 438.71 per cent boost in conversions, 10,46.388 per cent surge in app installs, a 462.093 per cent increase in app leads. We combine strategic creativity and data-driven insights to lay the ground for concrete results that not only achieve visibility but also ensure lasting impact in an ever-changing marketing landscape today.

    DigiXpressions is advancing towards a future where marketing innovation meets measurable success. The future is here—and it’s powered by DX.

  • Advertising Club Madras launches 27th PGDA program to empower creatives

    Advertising Club Madras launches 27th PGDA program to empower creatives

    MUMBAI: Ever wondered how the masterminds behind the most iconic ads cracked the code of grabbing your attention? From billboards that dominate cityscapes to campaigns you just can’t get out of your head, these advertising wizards didn’t stumble upon their craft overnight.

    Well, the modern world is here, and now you can study something far beyond traditional textbooks—something that promises a thrilling creative journey.

    If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming the next advertising guru, with your campaigns taking over every billboard and social media feed, here’s your golden ticket.

    The Advertising Club Madras is back, launching its 27th Post Graduate Diploma in Advertising (PGDA) program. A dynamic weekend course crafted for ambitious minds, it blends creativity and strategy to transform you into an industry-ready professional. It’s not just a course; it’s a gateway to a world where your ideas define the future of advertising.

    The event, hosted in Chennai, was graced by notable dignitaries, including Advertising Club Madras president, Balasubramanian S.; PGDA Sub-committee, joint secretary & chair, Kavitha Srinivasan; Executive committee member, Rakesh; and Advertising Club Madras, former president & a program tutor, Jagannath Ramasamy.

    This year’s 75-hour weekend program has enrolled over 25 enthusiastic students, offering a hands-on curriculum that covers diverse aspects of advertising, media, and creativity. With a focus on equipping students with real-world knowledge and skills, the program continues its legacy of producing over 500 successful alumni from its previous 26 batches.

    Expressing his pride in the initiative, Balasubramanian remarked, “This program is a flagship initiative of the Advertising Club Madras and is one of the most unique in the Indian advertising fraternity. With 27 batches and over 500 alumni, the PGDA program continues to inspire and shape the next generation of advertising professionals. This year, we’ve also offered scholarships to deserving students, making this opportunity accessible to all.”

    Adding to this, Advertising Club Madras secretary, Surej Salim Kumar said, “The PGDA program is a testament to the legacy of Advertising Club Madras. Each year, it evolves to reflect the changing dynamics of the industry, ensuring students receive top-notch training from some of the most accomplished leaders in advertising and media. I’m excited to see this batch embark on their journey toward professional success.”

    Highlighting the program’s mission, Srinivasan stated, “This program represents our club’s core mission of fostering knowledge, creativity, and growth in advertising. The overwhelming response and enthusiasm from this year’s students are heartening, and I am deeply grateful to the tutors and mentors who bring unmatched value to this program.”

    The PGDA program brings together an impressive roster of mentors, including:

    .  Blue Noodles, consultant, K. AnbuChezhian

    .  Printers Forum India president, Narayanan

    .  The Hindu Group, CEO, L.V. Navaneeth

    .  Kaybase director, Poornima Bhaskaran

    .  Catalyst Public Relations Pvt Ltd, founder & director, Ramkumar Singaram among others.

    The esteemed faculty promises to guide students through practical insights and industry best practices, offering an unparalleled learning experience.

    The Advertising Club Madras continues to set benchmarks in advertising education with its innovative and inclusive approach. By merging academic excellence with real-world industry exposure, the PGDA program empowers aspiring creatives to navigate and excel in the fast-paced world of advertising.

  • Netflix looks to spread Squid Game 2 fandom, partners with Duolingo for Korean language course

    Netflix looks to spread Squid Game 2 fandom, partners with Duolingo for Korean language course

    MUMBAI: K-Dramas, K-Pop are all the rage amongst India’s Gen Z and Gen Alpha. And there’s a fascination with all things Korean whether makeup or food. or Korean wear And to tap into that demand, mobile learning platform  Duolingo  has partnered with Netflix’s global sensation Squid Game to promote Korean language learning through a unique and immersive campaign.

    Titled Learn Korean or Else, the initiative blends Duolingo’s signature humour with the high-stakes intensity of the hit series, inspiring fans to commit to their Korean lessons just in time for the highly anticipated premiere of Squid Game Season 2 on 26 December 2024. 

    As part of the campaign, Duolingo has updated its Korean course to include phrases and keywords inspired by the show, deepening fans’ connection to its cultural and linguistic nuances.

    As per the press release Duolingo is adding over 40 keywords and phrases from Squid Game to its Korean course, enabling learners to connect even more closely with the series. 

    By learning Korean, Squid Game fans can appreciate the renowned series on an entirely new level, experiencing dialogue, expressions, and cultural context in ways only possible through understanding the language.

    “We saw a 40 per cent increase in Korean learners just after Squid Game Season 1, underscoring the powerful connection between entertainment, culture, and language learning,” said  Duolingo CMO Manu Orssaud. “This campaign allows us to continue that momentum in a way only Duolingo can—with humour, intensity, and a bit of chaos! We hope fans will accept Duo’s challenge to learn Korean and immerse themselves in the experience.”

    “Great stories can come from anywhere, and last year, about 13 per cent of hours viewed on Netflix in the US were non-English titles — with Korean, Spanish, and Japanese stories attracting the biggest audiences. Embracing the authenticity of these local stories is important to us. Duolingo was the perfect partner for Squid Game Season 2 because not only did we see fans gravitate toward the app to learn Korean after Season 1, but also as a brand, they were willing to go bold with us,” said Magno Herran, Vice President of Partner & Brand Marketing at Netflix. “We discovered a lot of shared traits between Duo the Owl and the Pink Guards — very determined and menacing. So we made it official and gave Duo a Pink Guard uniform and ultimately created something we know fans will love and talk about, cheering A-ssa! in celebration.”

    The partnership leverages Duolingo’s beloved mascot, Duo the Owl, who has taken on the role of a Squid Game Pink Guard. Like the series’ challenging environment, Duo isn’t afraid to raise the stakes. Whether chasing down users in videos or appearing at fan events and on billboards, Duo reminds fans to learn Korean or “face the consequences”.

    Campaign Highlights

    ●    Creative Series: A suspenseful teaser video introduces Duo as a Pink Guard, setting the stage for the Learn Korean or Else message, which will also run on Netflix’s ad-supported plan. Following the teaser, an extended music video, directed by Warren Fu (Dua Lipa’s Levitating and Megan thee Stallion feat. RM’s Neva Play) and choreographed by award-winning dancer and choreographer Sean Bankhead, features Duo leading a high-energy dance routine with guards in a K-pop remix of Squid Game’s Pink Guards as they humorously chase a learner who forgot to complete their Korean lesson. The cinematic videos will air across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.

    ●    “Korean or Get Eaten”: Netflix’s music lab team created a K-pop remix of the ominous song, Pink Guards, now available on Spotify. The track Korean or Get Eaten, uses a naming convention Duolingo employs for its music tracks to playfully threaten learners to do their lessons (e.g. Japanese or Broken Knees, Spanish or Vanish). The lyrics, performed in both English and Korean, spotlight the recognisable Red Light, and Green Light game played in Squid Game and feature hidden threats in Korean, only understandable if you did your Korean lesson (e.g. 살아 남아야지 Don’t you wanna survive? 빨리 외워 “Hurry up and memorize it). The track supports the campaign’s dance challenge on social media, encouraging fans to engage with Korean culture through a fun, viral music experience.

    ●    TikTok Interactive Game Filter: An exclusive TikTok filter, inspired by the show’s Red Light, Green Light game, lets users test their Korean skills with voice-activated challenges featuring Duo as Squid Game’s menacing doll in the iconic pink suit.

    ●    Out-of-Home Stunts: In true Squid Game style, Duolingo and Netflix are taking over Koreatown billboards in LA, and NYC, with cryptic Korean messages challenging viewers to “learn Korean to stay safe”. In an unforgettable live stunt, Duo and his Pink Guards will hack Netflix’s iconic Sunset Boulevard marquee billboard, replacing the English words with Korean, in their menacing attempt to influence fans to learn the language.

    As fans eagerly await Squid Game Season 2, Duolingo is set to bring them closer to the action than ever before—through language. With viral social content, immersive fan interactions, and innovative language learning challenges, Duolingo’s Learn Korean or Else campaign will be impossible to ignore.

  • Vita Student announces availability for 25/26

    Vita Student announces availability for 25/26

    Mumbai: Vita Student has announced public availability, which is now live at vitastudent.com. With many of its rooms already ring-fenced for existing customers who have chosen to rebook, the remaining rooms are expected to sell out quickly for the premium accommodation experience on offer.

    As part of this launch, Vita Student is offering a compelling incentive where students who book on 12 November will receive one week of free rent. This limited-time offer serves as a valuable opportunity for students to secure their ideal living spaces while maximizing their budgets.

    Vita Student India head of business growth Maitry Upreti stated, “Launching at this time gives savvy students who are already planning ahead, the opportunity to get their hands on the best available rooms at the best possible price.”

    Vita Student properties are renowned for their modern amenities and vibrant communities that support academic success and personal development. With the pricing now live for 25/26, students can take advantage of competitive rates while enjoying the benefits of a supportive living environment.

    Students are encouraged to visit the Vita Student website for more information on the new pricing and the exclusive one-week free rent offer.

  • TAM AdEx: Education leads print ad space with 19 per cent in Jan-Jun’24

    TAM AdEx: Education leads print ad space with 19 per cent in Jan-Jun’24

    Mumbai: According to the latest report from TAM AdEx India for the period Jan-Jun’24, print ad space saw a five per cent growth compared to the same period in 2023.

    The education sector was the biggest contributor, accounting for 19 per cent of the total ad space, followed by services with 15 per cent and the auto sector with 13 per cent. Together, the top three sectors captured over 47 per cent of total ad space. Notably, the telecom products sector made its entry into the top 10 sectors in print advertising.

    Cars led the way in terms of ad space growth, with a 25 per cent increase compared to last year. The cellular phones/smartphones category saw the highest growth rate, expanding by 2.9 times. Other growing categories included two-wheelers (plus 29 per cent) and multiple courses (plus 21 per cent).

    Among advertisers, Maruti Suzuki India maintained its leadership position, followed by SBS Biotech and Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India. A significant rise was noted for Samsung India Electronics, which moved from 30th place in 2023 to sixth place in 2024. Eight of the top 10 advertisers from last year remained in the top rankings for 2024, with newcomers Samsung and Kent RO System making the list.

    In terms of brands, Honda Shine 100 topped the print ad charts, followed by Aakash Medical/IIT-JEE/Foundation and Allen Career Institute. The top 10 brands together contributed six per cent of the total print ad space, with a strong representation from the auto and education sectors.

    On the language front, Hindi and English publications together accounted for more than 60 per cent of total ad space in both 2023 and 2024. Hindi publications took the largest share at 38 per cent, followed by English at 26 per cent.

    Lastly, sales promotion ads made up 28 per cent of the total print ad space, with discount promotions leading the way at 44 per cent, followed by multiple promotions at 41 per cent.

     

  • Ultra Soft Toys ensures its toys enrich kids, blending education and entertainment: Sushilkumar Agrawal

    Ultra Soft Toys ensures its toys enrich kids, blending education and entertainment: Sushilkumar Agrawal

    Mumbai: With the advent of technology, kids nowadays are surrounded by a myriad of digital distractions. Despite this, the enduring appeal of toys that seamlessly blend fun and education remains stronger than ever. Ultra Soft Toys, a prominent player in the Indian toy industry, stands at the forefront of this intersection with its diverse array of plush animals and educational toys. It is a distinguished venture of the 40-year-old Ultra Media & Entertainment Pvt Ltd with a strong emphasis on quality and innovation.

    Recently unveiling ambitious plans at Toy Biz 2024 in Delhi, Ultra Soft Toys showcased their commitment to innovation and quality from their state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Noida. This strategic move not only bolsters their capacity to meet growing global demand but also underscores their dedication to bringing joy and learning to families worldwide.

    Indiantelevision.com caught up with Ultra Media & Entertainment MD & CEO Sushilkumar Agrawal to delve deeper into their toy business, their unique strategies to stay at the forefront and much more…

    Edited Excerpts:

    On Ultra Group’s inspiration behind venturing into the toy industry and its differentiating aspect from other giant toy brands

    Ultra Group, with its rich entertainment legacy, has ventured into the toy industry to extend its storytelling prowess and connect with younger audiences. Their unique approach integrates beloved characters and narratives from their entertainment portfolio, fostering deep emotional connections with consumers. Unlike other toy brands, Ultra Group leverages cutting-edge technology and innovative designs, ensuring their toys are not only entertaining but also educational, enhancing creativity and learning in children through interactive experiences.

    On the new manufacturing facility in Noida and its ability to enhance your production capacity

    Our new manufacturing facility in Noida significantly boosts production capacity with advanced machinery. This expansion allows for increased output, improved quality control, and greater efficiency. The facility’s strategic location facilitates better logistics and faster distribution. This investment enables us to meet growing demand, maintain high-quality standards, and innovate rapidly to keep pace with market trends and customer expectations.

    On Ultra Soft Toys maintaining its commitment to quality and innovation in the highly competitive toy industry

    Ultra Soft Toys maintains its commitment to quality and innovation by rigorously selecting premium materials and employing advanced manufacturing techniques. Continuous research and development ensure our products are safe, durable, and engaging. We stay ahead of trends by integrating new technologies and listening to customer feedback. Our dedicated team of designers and engineers constantly innovate, creating unique and educational toys that stand out in the competitive market. The focus on educational toys segment marks a pivotal strategy moving ahead for Ultra Soft Toys to capture a larger market share. The company anticipates significant revenue growth in this segment as parents increasingly prioritise toys that promote foundational learning and development in children. The acquisition of an additional manufacturing facility in Noida, effectively doubling our production capacity, positions us strongly to meet the increasing global demand while upholding our standards of quality and innovation

    On Ultra Soft Toys’ inspiration to focus on educational toys, and the impact you anticipate this segment will have on your growth

    Ultra Soft Toys was inspired to focus on educational toys by recognising the increasing demand for products that combine fun and learning. Parents seek toys that support their children’s development, and we aim to meet this need with innovative, engaging designs. We anticipate this segment will significantly boost our growth by attracting a broader audience, enhancing brand loyalty, and positioning us as a leader in the educational toy market.

    On products that garnered the most attention, showcased at Toy Biz 2024, and the reason for their popularity

    Our stall shone brightly with our latest collection of educational toys, newly designed cushions, export-ready products, and impressive large-scale toys. These products combine our entertainment legacy and offer immersive play experiences. Ultra Soft Toys showcased a diverse range of products, including plush animals, educational toys like themed cube plushies, themed soft toy playbooks, and travel-friendly accessories.

    On Ultra Soft Toys’ expansion targets for both retail and online channels by FY24-25, and the strategies that are in place to address the challenges anticipated in your global expansion

    Ultra Soft Toys aims to expand its retail presence by increasing the number of physical stores by 20 per cent and entering new international markets in FY 24-25. Simultaneously, online sales targets include a 30 per cent growth through enhanced e-commerce platforms and strategic digital marketing. With a strong footprint in over 65 malls and retail stores nationwide, Currently Ultra Soft Toys has a product range of over 100 products with 225 SKUs. We are planning to expand to 200 products with 375 SKUs by end of FY24-25. The company has advanced its omnichannel strategy, with its offline presence which now spreads across 35 cities in 11 states of India. We have consistently achieved a 27 per cent growth YoY. Challenges such as regulatory compliance are addressed through localized marketing strategies, partnerships with local distributors, and rigorous market research to ensure alignment with regional preferences and regulations. Our expanded production capacity and focus on international markets underscores our dedication to delivering exceptional products that resonate with families worldwide. Currently, we export to European and South African countries, with plans to expand into the Middle East and the USA this fiscal year.

  • More than 700 initiatives over eight years undertaken by LALIGA

    More than 700 initiatives over eight years undertaken by LALIGA

    Mumbai: More than 700 initiatives and projects have been undertaken by LALIGA and its clubs since the 2015/16 season to help eradicate hatred and racism both on and off the pitch. They all aim to promote an inclusive and tolerant society from the bottom up through education, prevention and taking firm action. With these three cornerstones of LALIGA VS, the project developed by LALIGA and the clubs seeks to inspire and raise awareness among fans through the values of football in order to build a society free of hate.

    LALIGA VS (laligavs.com) was created with a dual mission: to give a voice to the work that LALIGA and the clubs have been carrying out continuously for more than eight years to build a more tolerant society, and to serve as an engine for the creation of new initiatives that will help end violent behaviour and hateful attitudes in society. This can be done both within the clubs and in collaboration with other institutions and leagues, such as Asobal and LNFS, as well as groups such as Aficiones Unidas.

    Eight years of progress

    For almost a decade, both LALIGA and its clubs have been involved in hundreds of projects that are now reflected in LALIGA VS.  Some of them are regularly repeated, such as lectures and training sessions given by LALIGA’s Integrity and Security department, and the Future Fans project organised by the FUNDACIÓN. During this period, a total of more than 150 training courses have been given to clubs, youth players, students, coaches, and members of the National Police Force, to name but a few.

    Other long-term initiatives include the launch of M.O.O.D, the Monitor for the Observation of Hate in Sport, which measures the conversation and the level of hate and racism on social media. At present, the latest M.O.O.D index (Matchday 15) is 5.4 out of 10, the lowest figure of the season. This number shows that the conversation on social media is becoming more respectful and tolerant week by week, not least as a result of the awareness-raising activities carried out by LALIGA and its clubs.

    Some one-off but high-impact campaigns have also taken place, such as those carried out earlier this season at LALIGA EA SPORTS and LALIGA HYPERMOTION grounds, where LALIGA VS armbands were handed out to club captains, fans in the stands, and LALIGA GENUINE players; and the inclusion of stickers in stadiums with QR codes inviting fans to provide information related to any discriminatory acts they might witness.

    The clubs have also helped take these projects to all parts of Spain. Over the last five years, LALIGA teams have implemented 44 campaigns aimed at curbing hate speech. Some of them are included in the framework of LALIGA VS Racism, such as the VCF World project, carried out by Valencia CF to end discrimination and racist insults. Others have been designed to curb homophobia both on and off the football pitch, such as the day against LGTBI-phobia organised by FC Barcelona. And others are aimed at stopping hate, such as Atlético de Madrid’s We love football campaign. Each has a place in LALIGA VS, a platform created among other reasons, to give them greater visibility.

    Since 2015, when the State Commission against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia and Intolerance in Sport and the Spanish Federation’s Competition Committee began to receive reports of abusive chants heard in professional football stadiums, LALIGA’s Legal, and Integrity and Safety Offices received 505 complaints of such incidents.

    In addition to these complaints, since LALIGA launched its reporting channel for abusive behaviour last year, three allegations are being examined and investigated by LALIGA’s Legal, and Integrity and Security Departments. This underlines the importance of fans, and society in general, joining the project and contributing to the eradication of hate and abuse in sport and beyond.

    In parallel to the implementation of all these initiatives, LALIGA has formally requested an amendment to Law 19/2007 of 11 July 2007 (against violence, racism, xenophobia and intolerance in sport) and Law 39/2022 of 30 December 2002 (on sport) in order to have formal jurisdiction in these matters.

    A Christmas campaign to help inspire children

    As part of the prevention and awareness actions, LALIGA VS has developed an awareness campaign so that fans who come every weekend to the stadiums are aware that every gesture has consequences among children. As with this initiative, others will continue to be organised both by the clubs and by LALIGA, aimed at building a society free of hatred and abuse.

  • upGrad names Srikanth Iyengar as CEO – workforce development for North America & Europe

    upGrad names Srikanth Iyengar as CEO – workforce development for North America & Europe

    Mumbai: Edtech major upGrad announced the appointment of Srikanth Iyengar as the CEO of workforce development, effective September 2022.

    Srikanth has over two decades of work experience spanning North America and Europe. In his previous profiles, he led large multinational businesses across diverse industries like tech services and learning/talent upskilling, consistently driving revenue growth and profitability across a portfolio of 2000 global clients across North America, Europe, and APAC regions. In addition, he is a passionate advocate of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and has championed various initiatives around technology-led business transformation, IT solutions, FMCG, and skills & training development for driving strong brand recognition and financial growth at large.

    In his current role, Srikanth will build and scale a B2B proposition that upskills experienced technology professionals. With this offering, upGrad is well placed to address a significant and growing technology skills gap in the global marketplace by delivering a world-class proposition. It will also be responsible for leveraging the company’s unparalleled breadth of technology curriculums, significantly large alumni community, and proven expertise in delivering tangible learning outcomes. Srikanth’s efforts will be instrumental in setting up a robust ‘diversity and inclusion’ (DnI) framework to allow businesses to build a future-ready and productive workforce.

    upGrad co-founder & MD Mayank Kumar said, “We continue to strengthen our focus on the global enterprise segment in pursuit of predictable, profitable, and sustainable growth. With Srikanth joining our leadership team, we look forward to leveraging his sharp business acumen and multi-cultural intellect to further sharpen our client focus, strengthen our operational excellence and global presence, and also enhance sales leadership for continued growth.”

    “The results of the conference board 2022 global CEO survey show that a shortage of skills, especially technology skills, is one of the biggest short and medium-term challenges facing global corporations today,” added Srikanth Iyengar.

    “We are confident that upGrad’s workforce development proposition will help our clients address this problem in a scalable and holistic manner. The workforce development approach is critical for businesses to follow as it would not just upskill but also build employees’ resilience to empower organisations and corporates with the tools needed to adapt to the future job markets. Over the last few months, I have developed much respect for upGrad founders and the leadership team as a result of their strategic clarity and relentless, disciplined approach to growth and market leadership. I am really excited to be joining such a high-performing team and to help build a truly special organisation going forward,” he concluded.

    With a strong focus on the US, Europe, and select western markets, Srikanth will continue to work from London, United Kingdom. In the most recent development, the global edtech player has closed its sixth key acquisition of CY2022 to further strengthen its enterprise (B2B) business portfolio in India and beyond.

  • upGrad announces its latest digital campaign for MICA Ahmedabad to aspire Indian youths

    upGrad announces its latest digital campaign for MICA Ahmedabad to aspire Indian youths

    Mumbai: upGrad has launched a new campaign reflecting the well-established legacy and the key differentiators of its digital marketing programme from MICA Ahmedabad.

    The narrative entails the legacy of the program, which is a well-accepted digital marketing course in the industry that provides 100+ digital marketing tools, the opportunity to run campaigns for real money, and access to MICA faculty.

    The programme has 12,000+ learners over 50 batches in seven years, with 300+ recruiters from leading companies and a wide alumni network that is recognised by the industry as a benchmark in digital marketing.

    Conceptualised by its in-house digital creative team, the campaign highlights how young potential aspirants, with a sheer ambition to fast forward their career, are all wanting to improvise in this digital era, while the campaign rightfully outlines how “Greatness can recognise Greatness.”

    As part of its digital campaign, the two ad films beautifully capture the excellence of its program, which is widely accepted and holds industry recognition for helping professionals build their careers.

    Speaking of the campaign, upGrad vice president & head of marketing Ankit Khirwal commented, “The career outcomes and the credibility the programme holds echoes for itself. It’s imperative in this era to hone the right skills needed to be future ready and we are glad that we are empowering the working professionals with the right skills, best pedagogy along with mentorship that will enable our learners to become future leaders of the industry.”

    “Through this film, we have tried to bring out the legacy of our digital marketing programme from MICA Ahmedabad that is widely recognised in the industry,” he added.

    upGrad associate director, head of creative and content marketing-India Shreyas Shevade added, “I’ve been on every side of the table at MICA except for one-behind the desk in their classrooms. I’ve been hired from there, taught there, and even applied to study there. So the idea for this campaign came from the many times I’ve seen a MICAn in an interview getting recognised for their degree. It’s amazing and a little envious that young and aspiring marketers today can add a great name like MICA to their CV just like that. And that’s what upGrad is all about-making great education easily and equally accessible to everyone with will and potential.”